Indicator 8.2.1 of 1: Highest standards for methods and materials: The percentage of IDEA-funded projects use exceptionally rigorous quantitative or qualitative research and evaluation methods or current research-validated practices and materials, as appropriate.

Targets and Performance Data

Assessment of Progress

Sources and Data Quality

The percentage of IDEA-funded projects that use exceptionally rigorous quantitative or qualitative research and evaluation methods or current research-validated practices and materials, as appropriate

Year

Actual Performance

Performance Targets

2001

33

2002

66.70

35

2003

45

2004

55

2005

65

2006

75

2007

75

Explanation: All successful applications under IDEA programs include high quality methods and materials, as judged by panels during the review process. This indicator applies a more rigorous standard to assess projects that have exceptionally high standards based on a standard measurement protocol. It takes at least three years to achieve stability in review and assessment process. Fluctuations in data are expected for several years while the data collection methodology is refined. The improvement in Demonstration and Outreach activities from 2000 to 2001 resulted after significant changes were made in the application requirements for these activities. Increased emphasis was placed on project evaluation, and limits on the length of applications were increased

Objective
8.3 of 3: Projects Communicate appropriately and products are used for children with disabilities and their families.

Indicator 8.3.1 of 2: Practitioners use results: Expert panels determine that practitioners, including policy-makers, administrators, teachers, parents, or others as appropriate, use products and practices developed through IDEA programs to improve results for children with disabilities.

Targets and Performance Data

Assessment of Progress

Sources and Data Quality

The percentage of expert panels that determine that practitioners, including policy-makers, administrators, teachers, parents, or others as appropriate, use products and practices developed through IDEA programs to improve results for children with disabilities.

Year

Actual Performance

Performance Targets

1998

67

2000

59

2001

69

2002

75

2003

75

2004

75

2005

75

2006

75

2007

75

Explanation: Fluctuations in data are expected for several years while the data collection methodology is refined. To improve the quality of the evaluations the size of the review panel representing the variety of stakeholders in special education was increased from 5 persons in 2000 to 80 in 2001. This improvement has resulted in a much more robust and accurate measure of this indicator.

The percentage of IDEA-funded projects that both (1) communicate high-quality products and information and (2) employ strategies to communicate with appropriate target audiences will increase.

Year

Actual Performance

Performance Targets

2000

100

2001

71

2002

75

2003

75

2004

75

2006

75

2007

75

Explanation: Experts review a sample of products submitted by project directors of a sample of funded projects that have ended. Raters use a scale of 0 to 2, with an overall mean rating of 1.5 considered appropriate communication with target audience.

Additional Source Information: Project information from products developed by grantees.

Frequency: Annually.Collection Period: 2002
Data Available:
September
2003
Validated By: No Formal Verification.
Project information is reviewed by a panel consisting of independent, third party reviewers who are experts in the program content and trained in the review procedures. The panel results are analyzed by experts in evaluation research.